Allergy test

Since March, Yoshi has been having running nose every other week. I really mean every other week. Usually it lasts for a week each time with running nose, with slight coughing at the later stage. And just when we thought he's sick free for a week, the cycle returns. It came to a point when we started wondering if it's a cold or some kind of allergy as many people suggested. So finally, we made the appointment with the allergy specialist (thru Cincinnati Children's Hospital).

This morning started out bright and early. Yoshi was enjoying his strawberries and bread for breakfast while waiting for his appointment......

Then we were stucked at the patient room for 35 mins before doctor showed up (she was way behind her schedule), thanks to all the toys I brought along..... After talking to the doctor about our concerns, we have decided to do some "skin test". Basically they put a drop of each different kind of solutions to Yoshi's back, and see if there is any reaction. To do so, they marked different spots and put a drop of each solutions onto the skin. These solutions would tell u whether he's allergic to things like - shrimp, certain kinds of fish, trees, pollen, dust.................. the whole process took about 5 mins, it doesn't hurt, but with Yoshi can't see what the nurse was doing on his back, he freaked out and cried (& resisted)........... does those marking look like a big tattoo on Yoshi's back? After dropping the solution (only a tiny drop of each), we had to wait 15 mins for the reaction. It doesn't hurt, only itch a little bit, that's why they did it on his back and shirtless. Afterwards, the doctor returned for analysis. Basically, as u can see below, Yoshi seemed to react to every kind of solution, there were tiny bumps (like a bug bite). Doctor concluded that Yoshi has very sensitive skin, so he was reacting to everything, which wasn't an accurate test. So the next step, was to get a blood test done instead.......

(right before we left the office, the nurse rubbed his back with cream, so all the bumps and itchness were gone in minutes)

Luckily the doctor office had drawing crayons, it totally distracted Yoshi from the possible itchness, so he wasn't touching his back at all. He was enjoying.

Just when Yoshi thought this was the end of the 2 hrs office visit, well...the worst happened- blood test. Poor guy....it was a very quick process, but the fact that there was a needle sticking to his arm (right in front of his eyes), 4 little tubes of blood was being collected. That was a loud scream and huge struggle.....Guess what brought his smile back? no, not the shinny sticker from the nurse, but suprise lunch meeting with Nori afterwards had finally cheer him up, and I think he totally forgot what had happened this morning already.

Well, the result will be back in 1-2 weeks. Shall let u know later.